A study of certain factors affecting reproduction in the mare

This thesis describes a study of the behavioural, hormonal and ovarian changes recorded in groups of housed mares during late autumn / spring over three years. In the first year the investigations concerned larger mares but these were replaced by pony mares during the subsequent two years. In the third year, mares demonstrating positive oestrous behaviour were mated. Variations from normal cyclical activity are discussed. Incorporated in this study was an investigation into the effects of different environmental lighting on melatonin patterns and on reproductive activity in the pony mares. A radioimmunoassay for the estimation of plasma melatonin concentration was established and the assay validated by recognised reliability criteria. No correlation was found between environmental lighting, patterns of melatonin secretion and reproductive activity in these mares. Factors which may have affected reproductive activity in this study, other than light and plasma melatonin concentration, are suggested and discussed

Synopsis of an integrated guidance for enhancing the care of familial hypercholesterolaemia: an Australian perspective

Summary: Introduction: Familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH) is a common, heritable and preventable cause of premature coronary artery disease, with significant potential for positive impact on public health and healthcare savings. New clinical practice recommendations are presented in an abridged guidance to assist practitioners in enhancing the care of all patients with FH. Main recommendations: Core recommendations are made on the detection, diagnosis, assessment and management of adults, children and adolescents with FH. There is a key role for general practitioners (GPs) working in collaboration with specialists with expertise in lipidology. Advice is given on genetic and cholesterol testing and risk notification of biological relatives undergoing cascade testing for FH; all healthcare professionals should develop skills in genomic medicine. Management is under-pinned by the precepts of risk stratification, adherence to healthy lifestyles, treatment of non-cholesterol risk factors, and appropriate use of low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol lowering therapies, including statins, ezetimibe and proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors. Recommendations on service design are provided in the full guidance. Potential impact on care of FH: These recommendations need to be utilised using judicious clinical judgement and shared decision making with patients and families. Models of care need to be adapted to both local and regional needs and resources. In Australia new government funded schemes for genetic testing and use of PCSK9 inhibitors, as well as the National Health Genomics Policy Framework, will enable adoption of these recommendations. A broad implementation science strategy is, however, required to ensure that the guidance translates into benefit for all families with FH

Analysis of Outcomes in Ischemic vs Nonischemic Cardiomyopathy in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation A Report From the GARFIELD-AF Registry

IMPORTANCE Congestive heart failure (CHF) is commonly associated with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (AF), and their combination may affect treatment strategies and outcomes